5 Affordable Winter Destinations to Book Right Now

For many across the country, the winter blues have set in, and we combat those feelings with remedies that include binge-watching Westworld and eating our feelings—hello, Cronuts. Yet a somewhat healthier option—both for mind and body, we think—comes in the form of a change of scenery: sand for snow, sleet for surf. With this in mind, here are contributing editor Mark Ellwood's five winter destinations on a budget you can book right now, as discussed on the Today Show.

San Diego, California

Why go: March to August is typically the best period to visit San Diego, but you'll see it reflected in the price. Winter here, unsurprisingly, marks the coolest and wettest season, but there are some perks: Rain transforms much of Southern California into a lush green, and hotel rates tend to be lower. Even better? It's whale migration season, which means you may be able to spot some of these leviathans when the fog clears around the bay. If you want to shoot up to Los Angeles for the weekend, you can do that, too: the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train even hugs the coast on the three-hour trip, which means you'll have one of the best seats in the house to take in California's beauty.

Where to stay:The Paradise Point Resort and Spa has rates from $149 a night, and on the 44 acre grounds you'll find everything from phenomenal sands to a surfing school to help you brush up on your hang ten.

Tannersville, Pennsylvania

Why go: The Poconos, which comprise forests, peaks, lakes, and valleys in Pennsylvania, are a "perennial must-see," says Ellwood. Tannersville, which sits at an elevation of 883 feet, is the perfect jumping off point to explore the (perhaps snow-covered) wilderness nearby. Take on the more than 185 trails in the area by foot, ski, snowshoe, and more; or stay warm with some of the season's toastier drinks. We won't judge.

Where to stay: A winter getaway with a bit of warmth, the Camelback Resort has rates from $229, which include tickets to the resort's always-84-degrees Aquatopia Indoor Waterpark. Book a non-holiday Sunday-Friday and included in your room rate, too, will be four lift or snow tubing passes on Camelback Mountain—more than $260 in savings. Just remember to pack both your swimsuit and ski suit.

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Sheldon Church, whose ruins are a popular site near Beaufort, was built between 1745 and 1753.

Beaufort, South Carolina

Why go: Often overshadowed by Charleston, our readers' favorite small city in the U.S., Beaufort is a destination in its own right. Check out the Beaufort Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and later declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973 for (among other things) its mansions framed by drooping oaks. South Carolina's second-oldest city is also known for the Beaufort International Film Festival, which is held in mid-February every year.

Where to stay: Try Anchorage 1770, a beautifully restored riverfront mansion. Owners Amy and Frank Lesesne were careful to update its 15 rooms without shedding two centuries of history: the boutique inn was once a private home, a Union Army hospital, and a clubhouse for the literary elite. Ellwood's tip: Take in the sunset, cocktail in hand, from the roof. Southern charm, indeed.

Miami, Florida

Why go:Miami needs little introduction. But while the Miami you think you know—the one flush with mojitos, exotic cars, and neon string bikinis—is still there, thriving, in pockets of South Beach, invested locals like high-design boutique owners Erika and Roma Cohen and chefs like Brad Kilgore have turned the city into so much more than Collins Avenue. A post-Zika state has somewhat quieted the usual storm of travelers, which means there are deals to be had on—and off—the beach.

Where to stay:The Room Mate Waldorf Towers, which is a converted Art Deco building and has availability from $130 a night. What Ellwood describes as a "funky hotel chain from Spain" right on Ocean Drive has its many advantages, but for out-of-country guests, one of the most notable is the special offer of a free Wi-Fi hotspot, which gives you internet access all over town, in the palm of your hand.

Tybee Island, Georgia

Why go: Dubbed by many as "Savannah's beach," Tybee Island sits 20 miles east of the city, which was named the fifth best small city in the U.S. in our Readers' Choice Awards. There are great stretches of sand and surf, sure, but there's also historic buildings; the still-operational Tybee Island Light, which is one of the remaining seven surviving colonial era lighthouses; and some of the best shrimp in the state.

Where to stay: Try the three-floor Desoto Beach Terraces, which has availability from $90 a night and can be rented by floor or in its entirety. Even better? It sits one block off the beach.